Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
Creating your first iOS app 
2.1.
Step 1: Install Xcode
2.2.
Step 2: Open Xcode software and Set up the project
2.3.
Step 3: Write the code
2.4.
Step 4: Connect the UI
2.5.
Step 5: Run the App
2.6.
Step 6: Have some fun by adding things programmatically
3.
Frequently Asked Questions
3.1.
What is meant by an iOS app?
3.2.
What is Apple Xcode used for?
3.3.
Can Xcode be used for C++?
3.4.
Is it hard to learn Xcode?
4.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024

Creating the first iOS App

Author Aditi
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Introduction

Have you thought of building your own app? Have you wondered how these apps are built? Then this article is for you.

This article is focused on step-by-step guidance to build your app. You will work with the software Xcode. Xcode is the software that can be installed on Macbook. It is used to create iOS apps. Let's dive into this article to learn more about Xcode working. Also, you will have step-by-step guidance on how to create your own iOS app.

Creating your first iOS app

Creating your first iOS app 

The creation of an iOS app can be done in six steps. They are explained in detail below.

Step 1: Install Xcode

Skip this step if Xcode software is already installed in your system.

Xcode is software used for building iOS apps. You need an SDK if you want to develop iOS apps. This SDK is provided by Xcode. Xcode runs only on Mac OS X. If you have windows, then you can follow a couple of options:- 

  • Get a mac. It is expensive but the easiest way.
  • Borrow Mac from your friend
  • Give up on Mac. 

Now, when you get your Mac ready. Search Xcode in the Mac App Store. Click on it and download it. It is a lengthy download of around 4 Gb. 

Install Xcode-1

Install Xcode-2

Step 2: Open Xcode software and Set up the project

  • Open the software Xcode.
  • Go to the File -> New -> Project.
  • Click Next after clicking on Single View Application.
  • Name the file Hello World!
  • Select which device you want to make (an iPad app, an iPhone app, or a universal) 
Setup project in Xcode
  • Make sure that Use Automatic Reference Counting and use storyboards are checked.
  • Click on the Next button.
  • Select the location you want to save the file. Click Create.

Step 3: Write the code

We will be doing programming in the file ViewController.m. There is a file named MainStoryboard.Storyboard for UI. We will work on this file later on. The appDelegate (called startup) that we are leaving for this article. Let’s begin with programming.

  • Open file ViewController.h
  • Add the following code between @interface ViewController : UIViewController and @end
@property (strong, nonatomic)IBOutlet UILabel *label;
  • This will show Hello World text. You have written the right code if an empty circle appears after the line of code.
  •  Go to file ViewController.h
  • Add @synthesize label; under @implementation ViewController. Add [self setLabel:nil]; in the function viewDidUnload.
  • Add the code given below in the viewDidLoad:
self.label.text = @"Hello World!";
  • This completes the program part.

Step 4: Connect the UI

Now we will work on the UI of our app.

  • Open the file MainStoryboard.Storyboard
  • Drag a label onto the view after finding it. See the picture below to understand more clearly.
  • Resize the label according to your choice. Do it by clicking and dragging squares of the label corners.
  • Goto Attribute inspector.
  • Select the size and font you want. Before that, confirm that it is in the center.
  • ViewController.h should be open when you click on the Assistant Editor. If it does not open, then you need to change it.
  • Click on the circle (about which we have talked earlier). Drag it to the just-added label. The circle will be filled if you have done it correctly.

Connect the UI in Xcode

Step 5: Run the App

Click on the Run Button. Your app will open with Hello World! If everything is correct. That’s it. You have made your own app. 

Step 6: Have some fun by adding things programmatically

We will add some more programming to add a little more advancement:-

  • Delete all the code and UI labels at this point.
  • Open ViewController.h. Write the following code:
@property (strong, nonatomic)UILabel *label;
  • It should be added between the @interface ViewController: UIViewController and @end. This time you did it correctly when the circle did not appear.
  • Add @synthesize label; in the file ViewController.m. It should be present below @implementation ViewController. In the viewDidUnload function, add [self setLabel:nil];.
  • Write the code below in the viewDidLoad function:
self.label = [[UILabel alloc] initWithFrame:CGRectMake(0, 0, 320, 100)];
self.label.text = @"Hello World";
self.label.textAlignment = UITextAlignmentCenter;
[self.view addSubview:self.label];
  • Click the Run Button. You have built your first iOS app.

First iOS app

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by an iOS app?

An iOS app is an application for the iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad. It uses Apple's iOS operating system.

What is Apple Xcode used for?

Xcode can be used to create great Mac, Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch applications. Xcode provides developers with a unified workflow for UI design, coding, testing, and debugging.

Can Xcode be used for C++?

Yes, Xcode can be used for C++. You have to install Xcode or command-line tools for Xcode to run a program in C++ on Mac. 

Is it hard to learn Xcode?

Xcode contains many great tools. It helps streamline the development process, making it easy for experienced developers to push apps out quickly. It is also a user-friendly IDE. So beginners' learning curve is not steep.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the step-by-step procedure to create your first iOS app. We have also explained the installation of Xcode software. We helped you learn the basic steps of creating the first iOS app. Now it's time to work and improve your skills in this programming language.

We hope this blog has helped you enhance your iOS app knowledge. If you want to learn more, check out our website on iOS App Development and Learn iOS Development.

Practice makes a man perfect. To practice and improve yourself in the interview, you can check out Top 100 SQL problemsInterview experienceCoding interview questions, and the Ultimate guide path for interviews.

Do upvote our blog to help other ninjas grow. Happy Coding!

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